Grace Curtis
All around us is living proof that we are made for happiness. Even the simple act of waking up is a miracle proving God’s plan for our joy. He breathed life into you and whispered your mission into your heart this morning as your eyes fluttered open to the sounds of your alarm clock. Remember something that made you smile today. God was waiting all of eternity just to create that little moment to see you smile. For example, this morning I was driving on the bridge to have lunch with my sister. I was in a little bit of a hurry because I was excited to spend time with her. However, while passing the forest I couldn’t help but notice the beauty of the flowing river and the changing little leaves. God knows that fall is my favorite season and He created every little leaf to turn a specific color and create a rainbow of natural perfection. He put in all this work to create a little wonderful scene for me to enjoy and enjoy His love for me. And He has beautiful surprises all around you too if you slow down enough to look!
Every day you have a choice: to either focus on the negativity or take in God’s positivity for us. God won’t force us to be happy; that’d be a direct violation of His gift of free will to us. However, even in the bad times there are endless opportunities to see God’s love for us! Inevitably bad things are going to happen, but how you react to conflict will determine how it will change your life. “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:13). Christ suffered the ultimate price with the knowledge in His heart that it might bring Him closer to us. We have the power to live by His example and use our troubles to come closer to His Sacred Heart. The best weapon you can have against the devil’s snares: Your smile!
The devil trembles at the sight of your cheerful face bringing God’s love into the world every day. Smiling through suffering does not mean you are denying your weaknesses or are pretending to be perfect; your smile’s beautiful witness says “Yeah, I’m a real person going through real hardships. But I am choosing to put my faith in God because He’ll get me through anything”. There’s a reason why people are attracted to those who smile often. It shows a certain authenticity that can only be revealed through people who has so much of God’s love in their heart they can’t help but smile. When you take the time to see the great blessings God can pour out on you each day, you won’t be able to keep from rejoicing.
“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)
The inner happiness you were created for comes out in fullness when you smile. Heaven meets earth every time you beam with God’s goodness. Enjoy the life God have given you and make the most of every day!
Your Sister in Christ